Top 8 managed IT service providers

Starting your search for help with IT-managed services can be a little overwhelming. Where do you start? Instead of spending hours scouring the internet to find a provider, you’ve found yourself in the right spot. This article will walk you through the 8 best managed IT service providers.

Something to keep in mind is that every company’s needs are different. You should have a clear understanding of what your IT needs are before you start your search. Are you hoping to get support for a specific platform or just alleviate some of the stress of your current team? Once you figure those things out, that will help define your search and ultimately make it a little easier for you in the long run.

Before we jump into our list, here are the three providers topping it off.

What is a managed service provider?

Chances are, if you’re reading this article, then you have some idea of what a managed service provider is. But just in case the term is new to you, in its simplest terms, it’s a company that you outsource all or specific IT tasks to.

So, if you’re rolling out a new project and migrating to a new platform, you might want some additional help so your in-house team can keep your business running. Or maybe you don’t have in-house IT support, and your company has been growing, but you’re not ready for a full-time IT person just yet. All of these are great examples of why you might want to look into a managed service provider.

Top 8 managed IT service providers

No two managed IT service providers are created equal. There are a lot of factors that go into making each of these companies a great partner for you. In addition to your specific IT needs, you’ll also want to consider things like price and size when you’re evaluating your options.

1. IBM

Admittedly, IBM might not be the first name you think of for managed IT services. But, there’s no denying that IBM has been in the technology sector basically since there was a technology sector. Pivoting some of their business to the MSP market is great news for many companies. Because they are such a major player in the space, they’re able to offer a wide variety of managed IT services. And you know they’re able to recruit the very best to work for them.

The one potential drawback is this might be a little too much clout for smaller businesses. While their service speaks for itself, their pricing might not make sense for small companies needing help with their day-to-day IT support.

Learn more about IBM.

2. Accenture

Another one of the largest and more well-known companies is Accenture. Like IBM, they’re great for IT consulting and can help you scale your technology infrastructure as your business grows. And because of its size, Accenture can offer a ton of different services. Everything from application service to security audits and even metaverse consultations.

Learn more about Accenture.

3. SugarShot

Rounding out the top three is a slightly smaller company based out of Las Angeles called SugarShot. They do only support companies on the Microsoft 365 platform. But they have many customer reviews praising SugarShot, particularly for their cybersecurity audits and network threats. They also offer complete backup services and 24/7 emergency response.

Find out more about SugarShot.

4. Realnets

Another great service provider is the Chicago-based company, Realnets. They have a variety of offerings, everything from infosec to data protection and even hardware repairs. Another strong selling point for Realnets is all of the positive reviews from current and former clients. Realnets has cultivated long-standing relationships and positions itself as a proactive partner. Some reviews even praise the company for the sense of confidence and security working with Realnets was able to provide.

Read more about Realnets.

5. Infosys

Going back to another larger company, Infosys has been one of the leading managed services providers for a while. They can help consult for a number of different areas like Applied A.I., blockchain support, or something for your everyday business like the Microsoft 365 platform. If you’re looking for a partner who can help support you as you scale, you definitely don’t want to overlook Infosys.

Check out more about Infosys.

6. IT GOAT

The next managed service provider on the list is on a mission to reduce all of the stress associated with IT for small businesses. As their website states, IT GOAT allows their clients to spend less time and money on IT and more on their core business. One thing that gives them a bit of a competitive edge is that they specialize in working with small businesses, which has led some of their clients to leave positive comments online about the time and attention they received from the IT GOAT team.

Find out more about IT GOAT.

7. Cognizant

Cognizant uses data and analytics to monitor IT infrastructure and help their partners modernize their environment. The services they offer are designed to be proactive in their approach and help prevent your business from experiencing any downtime. So, should your company need to pivot its IT strategy, Cognizant would be ready to help you do so — and theoretically spot it before you do.

Learn more about Cognizant.

8. Ripple IT

The final service provider on the list knows a thing or two about remote work because they operate remotely. Ripple IT brings a human-first approach to their clients. While they offer no shortage of services, they believe it's not about how you work but rather the results of your work that matter. Ripple IT centers themselves as partners in their clients' work, and for some, this level of commitment and dedication is reassuring.

Read more about Ripple IT.

Picking the right managed IT service provider comes down to what you need the most. It helps you focus your search, protecting you against “scope creep” when companies try to sell you services you don’t need or will get very little value. But once you figure that out, hopefully, this list of providers can serve as a starting point for you.